WATCH: Davids Hosts K-State Professor Emeritus During U.S. House Agriculture Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit, helped lead a hearing on the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA). The law helps farmers get a fair, consistent price for their crops, both at home and abroad. Davids invited Dr. Kevin Donnelly, Professor Emeritus of Agronomy at Kansas State University, to testify on the university’s nationally recognized grain science programs and the importance of renewing the USGSA to protect reliable, stable export markets.
“I am proud to introduce a Kansan to testify today,” said Davids. “Dr. Kevin Donnelly is an Emeritus Professor of Agronomy at Kansas State University and a farmer in central Kansas. During Dr. Donnelly’s 47-year teaching career, he taught college students about grain quality and grain grading using Federal Grain Inspection Service, known as FGIS, standards. He also conducts workshops illustrating FGIS grain inspection procedures for the International Grains Program at Kansas State University for industry professionals throughout the world.”
“I have long been interested in grain quality, probably stemming from my 4-H and FFA days when my projects involved crop production, and I started exhibiting grain samples at the county fair,” said Dr. Kevin Donnelly during his opening testimony. “As a college professor, I have integrated crop quality topics into several of my courses. We offer three unique degree programs in Grain Science at Kansas State… These programs produce graduates that typically enter industries with a vested interest in quality characteristics as end users of grain and oilseeds.”
WATCH: Davids and Dr. Donnelly speak on the importance of supporting Kansas producers
The USGSA makes sure that when farmers sell their grain — like wheat, corn, or soybeans — it’s measured and graded the same way across the country. That means buyers can trust what they’re getting, and farmers can get a fair price for their crops. The law also helps the U.S. compete in global markets by giving trading partners confidence in the quality of American grain. It’s a key part of keeping our food supply strong and our farm economy stable.
“Kansas is one of the top agricultural states in the country, and our farmers and ranchers feed not just the nation, but the world,” said Davids. “In 2023 alone, Kansas farmers exported $5.2 billion in agricultural products around the world. Whether it’s wheat, sorghum, or soybeans, Kansans know what it means to work hard and produce results. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve made it a priority to support family farmers and strengthen our supply chains, because I know how vital they are to rural economies and to our global competitiveness.”
Dr. Donnelly is an Emeritus Professor of Agronomy at Kansas State University with a 47-year teaching career focused on grain quality and crop science. He taught hands-on courses in grain grading and coached competitive crops teams for 30 years. Dr. Donnelly has also led workshops for grain industry professionals from around the world through K-State’s International Grains Program and continues to support their work in retirement.
To support Kansas producers, Davids embarked on a Farm Bill listening tour, where she visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a goat farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers, toured a dairy farm in Garnett, and more.